錆さび刀がたな

noun

rusty sword; sword with a rusted edge; useless sword

Rare term for a sword whose blade has rusted, rendering it useless. Can be used literally or figuratively for something that has lost its effectiveness.

• 古ふるい蔵くらから錆さび刀がたなが出でてきた。

  A rusty sword was found in the old storehouse.

• 彼かれの腕うで前まえも今いまや錆さび刀がたなのようなものだ。

  His skill is now like a rusty sword—useless.